Friday, May 2, 2014

Ukrainian troops begin special operation in Slavyansk

The Ukrainian army has begun a special operation against pro-autonomy
activists in the eastern town of Slavyansk. The city is now blockaded
by the Ukrainian military, with 20 helicopters reportedly deployed to
crack down on self-defense forces.

Two more helicopters have been shot down by self-defense forces,
according to reports. Earlier, two helicopters were reportedly shot
down, with one pilot dead and another one captured, RIA Novosti news
agency reported. This information was confirmed by Ukraine’s
coup-appointed Interior Minister Arsen Avakov.

The Ukrainian Interior Ministry has also stated that they control ten
checkpoints in Slavyansk. Reports have emerged that the Kiev forces are
also going to attack Kramatorsk which is 19 kilometers away.

One protester was killed, and another one injured during the attack on the city, say self-defense forces.

Also, a journalist’s car has reportedly been fired on, according to
RT’s Paula Slier who is trying to reach the scene, but the Ukrainian
army seems to be blocking all entrances to the city – and even
Kramatorsk.